A woman is accused of getting intoxicated off the people she was working for’s liquor while working as a caretaker for a toddler at the Jersey Shore, according to the Brigantine Police Department.
This all unfolded on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, just after 12:30 p.m. when a neighbor called police after finding an unaccompanied toddler who was roaming outside of their home, officials said.
The person said they recognized the toddler as their neighbor and took the child back to their house, police said in a social media post. Once back at the house, the neighbor found 35-year-old Jena Davidson, of Ventnor City, unconscious and unresponsive.
Once Brigantine police, along with Brigantine Fire and EMS, responded to the house, they gave the child’s caretaker life support and took her to a nearby hospital to be treated, police said.
The parent of the toddler was told about what was going on and left work to return to the house, officials said.
Investigators said they discovered that Davidson was hired by the toddler’s parent through a popular website.
Davidson is accused of drinking so much of the homeowner’s alcohol that she became unresponsive while she was in charge of the toddler’s well being, officials said. She was charged with endangering the welfare of a child. It was unclear if she had an attorney who could comment on her behalf.
Court documents said that there was a coffee mug containing alcohol found on the counter and an empty shot bottle was in the Davidson’s bag.
When NBC10 went to the house in Ventnor that was listed in court documents as Davidson’s home address, no one answered the door. A neighbor said the building is a sober living house.
If you have any information on this case, please contact the Brigantine Police Department at 609-266-7414.
Neighbors react to drunk babysitter
“Shocked. You’re in charge of a baby, and you shouldn’t be drunk on the ground,” neighbor Dave Braccia said.
Braccia explained that he saw the commotion outside of his house and quickly learned that the toddler next door had gotten out of the house.
“There’s a neighbor across the street that saw the child out on the step, and she rushed over to take care of the child,” Braccia said. “I think she went inside and saw the babysitter on the floor passed out.”
The toddler was in tears.
Tips to find the right babysitter
There are a lot of things to consider when a parent is searching for someone to watch their children. NBC10 Responds reporter Tracy Davidson explains.
In light of this incident, NBC10 Responds spoke to experts who explained that babysitters don’t face the same state mandates as licensed child care centers.
If you find yourself in the search for a babysitter, we have some good practices to help make the right choice.
Diane Barber is with the Pennsylvania Child Care Association and told NBC10 that if you’re looking for someone to watch your child, start with people you know: friends, neighbors, co-workers or even your pediatrician.
“You’re not having a stranger coming into your house and caring for your child,” Barber said. “Regardless of how you find that person and friends and family are probably the best in terms of resources.“
Once you have a name, make sure you interview the person.
Barber shared a checklist of what to think about:
- Get references. Who is recommending the babysitter? Give them a call.
- Ask about their background including where they went to school and how much experience do they have with kids.
- Ask if the babysitter is certified in CPR and first aid. If they say that they are certified, look at the certification.
- Trust your gut. When you talk to them, one of your best resources is your gut instinct.
New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware offer child care searches on their state websites for licensed facilities.
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